Sangamon Sun

State Representative Wayne Rosenthal is advocating for the preservation of 14(c) workshops in Illinois, expressing concerns about the potential negative impact of HB 793 on individuals with disabilities. Rep. Rosenthal emphasized the importance of maintaining job opportunities and quality care for workers with disabilities, stating, “Ending 14(c) workshops would create a mass layoff from service providers and that would be devastating to thousands of people who would be left with no job at all.”

Joining Rep. Rosenthal in opposing HB 793, State Representative Mike Coffey highlighted the potential repercussions of the bill, stating, “While this bill sounds good in theory, it would ultimately lead to individuals losing their job and having zero income.” Coffey emphasized the importance of protecting the job force and expressed concerns about service providers' ability to pay minimum wage if the bill is passed.

Douglas McDonald, the CEO of SPARC, also raised concerns about HB 793, cautioning that the bill would pose significant challenges without proper consideration. McDonald stressed the need for careful evaluation of the potential impact on workers and service providers before implementing such a substantial change.

HB 793, if passed, would require 14(c) workshops to pay minimum wage to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, potentially creating financial burdens for service providers. The bill has raised apprehensions about the feasibility of meeting these new requirements without additional financial support, leaving providers scrambling to cover the increased costs.

The SPARC organization, dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals with disabilities, emphasizes the importance of enabling these individuals to successfully participate in various aspects of community life, including work. Rep. Rosenthal's efforts to protect workers with disabilities in Illinois underscore the ongoing debate surrounding the balance between job opportunities and fair wages for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.